The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has called on Nigerians to embrace the capital market as a pathway to personal and national financial independence as the country marked its 65th Independence Anniversary.
In a goodwill message titled “Forging a New Legacy of Financial Independence”, Agama said true independence goes beyond political sovereignty to include financial security for all citizens. He described the capital market as a “public square of prosperity” where Nigerians can convert savings into investments that fuel enterprise growth and infrastructure.
According to him, reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the guidance of Finance Minister Wale Edun—such as share dematerialization, wider retail investor participation, introduction of new asset classes, FinTech collaborations, and quicker securities processing—are repositioning the market for inclusivity.
He added that corporate governance improvements, financial literacy campaigns, and the clampdown on Ponzi schemes are building trust and expanding opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
“When you buy a share, you become a part-owner of a Nigerian company. When you invest in a bond, you help fund the infrastructure that will power our future. This is the new face of patriotism,” Agama said.
The SEC boss urged citizens to prioritize financial literacy, embrace consistent investment, and adopt a long-term perspective, stressing that mass participation in the capital market will not only enhance individual financial security but also accelerate national development.
“As we celebrate 65 years of nationhood, the growth of our economy must mirror the growth of our citizens’ financial independence,” he said.
